CPT® Code 44132

An open donor enterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a segment of the intestine from a donor, which can be either a cadaver or a living individual. This procedure is specifically indicated for cases where intestinal transplantation is necessary, particularly in patients suffering from irreversible intestinal failure that leads to life-threatening complications due to prolonged reliance on total parenteral nutrition. The term 'enterectomy' refers to the surgical excision of a portion of the intestine, and in this context, it is performed with the intent of transplanting the harvested intestine into a recipient who requires it for survival. The procedure includes the critical step of cold preservation, which involves perfusing the harvested intestine with a preservation solution and placing it on ice to maintain its viability until transplantation can occur. The surgical approach for a cadaver donor involves making an incision in the abdomen to access and expose the organs for harvesting, while the technique for a living donor includes careful dissection and measurement of the intestine to ensure that an appropriate segment is removed for transplantation. This meticulous process is essential to ensure the success of the transplant and the health of the recipient.